IN October, the Chesterfield Canal gained an impressive landmark in Staveley when the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge was lowered into place.
This magnificent structure is 38 metres long and weighs about 40 tons. It replaces a brick bridge on what was originally the Great Central Railway. The old bridge was knocked down about thirty years ago and since then users of the Trail have had to go on a zig-zag up and down route. They will now be able to go straight over the new bridge.
The project has been managed by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. It is the first phase of a £6 million canal restoration scheme. Most of the money will come from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment through the Government’s Towns Fund, covering ten projects in all.
O’Brien Contractors readied the site and CTS Bridges delivered the two halves of the bridge, which were welded together and painted before the final lift took place.
Next year, a length of canal will be reinstated under the bridge along with a new lock and another bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane. Bellhouse Basin will be restored. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching over two kilometres all the way to Renishaw.